Recall 25V649 affects 39,536 2021-2023 Kia Sorento vehicles for an HVAC blower wiring fire risk. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 39,536 2021-2023 Sorento SUVs because the HVAC blower motor wiring harness is inadequate and can start a fire. A fire increases the risk of injury, and Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness in the 2021-2023 Kia Sorento carries electrical power to the blower motor. That motor pushes air through the vents for cabin heat, air conditioning, defrosting, and defogging. The wiring has to carry current without overheating while the fan speed changes.
On affected Sorento LX vehicles, supplier production variances left the blower motor resistor circuit harness with wiring thinner than the nominal gauge. Thinner wiring has less margin for the electrical load in that circuit. Heat can build at the harness, damage nearby material, and result in a fire.
Owners can notice the blower motor stop working before the problem becomes more serious. A burning or melting smell, or smoke coming from the vents, is also a warning sign. If you notice those symptoms, treat them as related to the HVAC wiring problem.
Who's affected?
The same main wiring assembly is tied to the defroster fan motor and the fuse or circuit breaker wiring.
| 2021 Kia Sorento | visibility component |
|---|---|
| 2021 Kia Sorento | wiring |
| 2022 Kia Sorento | visibility component |
| 2022 Kia Sorento | wiring |
| 2023 Kia Sorento | visibility component |
| 2023 Kia Sorento | wiring |
| Units affected | 39,536 |
A matching 2021-2023 Kia Sorento does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fire increases the risk of injury. An inoperable blower motor, a burning or melting smell, or smoke from the vents are warning signs that the wiring or resistor area needs prompt attention. Drive cautiously, stop the vehicle if smoke appears, and schedule the dealer repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2023 Kia Sorento is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free wiring-harness and blower-motor-resistor replacement that fixes the HVAC blower wiring fire risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V649 and Kia recall SC351 when you call.
- Limit HVAC blower use until the repair is complete, and stop driving if you see or smell signs of fire.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician replaces the HVAC blower motor wiring harness and blower motor resistor covered by recall 25V649. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. If you paid out of pocket for this same wiring harness or blower motor resistor repair before the recall notice, Kia's standard reimbursement plan handles documented eligible expenses. Bring your receipts and repair paperwork to the service desk, or contact Kia customer service for the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 25, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 26, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| September 26, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 9, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 24, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 23, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V649?
Recall 25V649 covers 39,536 2021-2023 Kia Sorento SUVs with an inadequate HVAC blower motor wiring harness that can result in a fire. Kia dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2023 Kia Sorento is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sorento is included in recall 25V649. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the wiring harness and blower motor resistor replacement. Reference Kia recall number SC351 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Kia will replace the HVAC blower motor wiring harness and blower motor resistor free of charge at any franchised Kia dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 25V649?
The safety risk is fire. Kia says the HVAC blower motor wiring harness is inadequate, which can result in a fire and increase the risk of injury. The repair path is to have a Kia dealer replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor for free.
When did Kia mail owner letters for recall 25V649?
Kia mailed owner notification letters on January 23, 2026. If you bought the Sorento used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then call a Kia dealer and reference recall SC351.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V649000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V649 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V649000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →